Heheheheā¦sometime ago, I wrotes a ficlet for this sceneā¦
The fact that no one came running from the building as he landed Thunderbird Two in their carpark was proof that the volcano had been preparing to erupt for some time. Obviously, the ground shaking and rumbling around here was nothing new. The fact that no one but a single scientist had noticed was the odd thing.
Virgil lowered himself through the hatch and strode out onto the icy ground. Walking through the front door, he frowned as his presence was still barely noticed. It was rare that International Rescue wasnāt pounced on the moment they made an appearance anywhere. Mostly for two reasons. The first being that there was usually an emergency in progress and most people at such a scene were in desperate need of saving anyway. The second reason was celebrity. They were the rich and famous whether they were Tracy brothers or IR operatives, they were powerful to know and known the world over.
Locating the desk, he approached reception only to find the attendant slumped in his chair snoring. Really? Even through landing TB2? His girl was anything but quiet. The ground shook when she made contact. He knew this because apparently TB1 jumped every time he parked beside her. Scott was good at smart assed remarks.
Not seeing anyone else who might want to assist him, Virgil picked up the bell and shook it gently.
The tinkling sound activated the concierge like a remote control. He startled out of sleep and without apology leapt into his spiel of āHow may I assist you?ā
āHi, Iām from International Rescue.ā He put the bell down and arched an eyebrow at the man as his expression grew skeptical.
āAnd Iām Jeff Tracy.ā
The IR operative processed that, cleared his throat and pointed in the direction of his ābird, parked out front.
The manās expression fell with a satisfying, āOh my.ā
Virgil straightened. āYour volcano, Mount Hromundartdinhurmindur,ā and yes, he nearly broke his throat saying it, āis about to erupt. We need to evacuate your hotel.ā
Surprise turned to derision almost immediately. āHave you been speaking to Doctor Questa? He is a madman. Has been attempting to scare us with his foretelling of doom for years.ā The man waved a negligent hand in the air. āI would not worry.ā
There was always one. Why did there always have to be one?
āMr, uh, Tracy, is it? Doctor Questaās conclusions have been verified.ā As if to emphasize the point, the ground shook a little just for effect. āIn under a half an hour, this hotel, if not razed to the ground by a lava flow, will at the very least be subject to ballistic projectiles and the possibility of pyroclastic flows. You need to evacuate now.ā
āAnd who are you to declare such a thing?ā
Virgil took a step closer and pinned the man with his eyes. āI am Virgil Tracy, the son of the man you so blatantly mocked.ā Okay, there was some satisfaction in the sudden lack of blood in the manās already pale face, but there was no time. He hit his comms, not taking his eyes off the concierge. āJohn, could you please give me access to this hotelās communication system? Building wide broadcast.ā He kept his expression calm, voice determined. At Johnās affirmative, he addressed the hotel at large. āThis is International Rescue. Please remain calm. This is an order to evacuate the building. Please exit in an orderly manner and gather at the designated meeting points. This is not a drill.ā
John followed it up with a translation into the local dialect and activated the fire alarm.
Virgil still held the concierge with his eyes. The manās expression was now stricken as all the hotel guests and staff, muttering, made their way to the exit doors. Several fire wardens approached the desk, eyed the two men and immediately turned to Virgil and his uniform.
With no parting expression at all, Virgil turned away and addressed the head warden, explaining the pending eruption and the need to evacuate. Fortunately the woman was smarter than her co-worker and with wide eyes moved immediately.
āI need numbers on how many people we have to move.ā
Numbers were handed to him. Damn, at least two trips to the nearest town. Fortunately the hotel was the only establishment in the blast radius.
Addressing the remaining wardens and the concierge, āThunderbird Two will take half the evacuees at a time. We will move as fast as possible. Please make sure all are accounted for. I will meet you and the first group out the front.ā Turning away, he strode back towards the doors, accessing his remote, enabling TB2 to lower her now empty module in preparation to board evacuees. A signal from John confirmed his destination and facilities for the displaced people.
A single glance at the concierge as he left the building.
